The Tin Shed in Moray becomes Airbnb hit after recording milestone five-star review
A tiny bothy in the heart of Speyside is proving to be more than the sum of its parts after rising to the top of Scotland’s Airbnb rankings.
The ‘Tin Shed’, a glamping cabin made of recycled materials as part of a lockdown project, has earned 300 consecutive five-star reviews on the site, making it one of the highest rated Airbnb properties in the nation.
It ranks well within the top one per cent of properties worldwide having only ever been given fire star ratings by guests.
Ross Stockdale, 54, built the cabin out of materials he found locally over a period of 18 months.
Initially a labour of love to be used and enjoyed by his family alone, Ross listed the property on Airbnb after noticing a boom in demand for staycations after lockdown eased.
Ross said: “I had intended to use some recycled materials to help the project blend into the surrounding landscape but lockdown meant I had to find pretty much everything I needed locally.
“The floorboards are actually recycled scaffolding boards, the kitchen is a neighbour’s 1970’s sideboard, and I think a local farmer couldn’t believe his luck when I offered him some money for the corrugated iron that was rusting away in his field.
“However, I think it looks beautiful.”
The project’s success is clear with the income generated from it now supplementing Ross’ salary as a carer for adults with learning difficulties.
”I put my heart and soul into the creation of the Tin Shed so I’m over the moon that people love our little cabin so much,” he added.
“I’m still surprised that a cabin at the top of our garden has had so many good reviews.
“Our friendly pet pig Spotty is our secret weapon and seems to be loved by everyone, and I always say that our dog Dot is Head of PR because she greets everyone with a waggy tail.”
Ross believes The Tin Shed has generated over £75,000 for the local economy, with guests visiting distilleries as well as eating and drinking in local cafes and bars recommended to them by himself.
”Touch wood, I’ve never had an unpleasant guest,” he added.
“We’ve had visitors from all over the world, a couple of marriage proposals and quite a few honeymooners, one of whom returned with their baby.
“Someone even filmed a music video here. I love recommending the best places in Moray for them to visit. They’re all blown away by the beauty of the county.”